Daniel Powell, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Preclinical Evaluation of Costimulated CIR Therapy for Ovarian Cancer
Adoptive immunotherapy is extremely effective for triggering tumor regression in patients with malignant melanoma. To develop adoptive T-cell therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer, we have created a chimeric immune receptor (CIR) that redirects the immune system against alpha-folate receptor, a protein on the surface of 90% of epithelial ovarian cancer cells. In designing this therapy, other strategies that will be taken into account including promoting growth and survival of the body’s own immune cells to fight ovarian cancer. The results of Dr. Powell’s work will provide preclinical data essential for clinical development.